Hats have served many purposes for women over the millennia, from keeping warm, to being a symbol of fashion, status, and propriety. But they are no longer an everyday fashion accessory in most wardrobes, more of a special occasion item - weddings, picnics, and of course Ascot Hats. Royal Ascot has been described as the hat equivalent of an international Fashion Week. Statement hats make an appearance at several horse races around the world, but nowhere do women pull out the millinery stops as they do for Ascot. ... Read more . . .

If you think pearls are staid, conjuring images of white pearl studs or a classic rope, we hope to surprise and delight you with by our pick of modern pearl jewellery from 7 contemporary jewellery designers. We also explore the resurgence of pearls in recent years, thanks to innovation from some of the masters of jewellery design. ... Read more . . .

Using sustainable materials to make the fabrics which are then shaped to create clothes is the perhaps the most basic way to achieve sustainable fashion design. This article, part of our series on Sustainable Fashion, explores 5 innovative materials that are sustainable alternatives for designers. They've appeared in the last couple of decades, but aren't yet widely known to consumers. Most are in use today, and all create new options for designers with an eye on sustainability.... Read more . . .

Most women put much more effort into choosing shoes, jewellery, handbags and scarves than they do glasses. The exceptions realise the unique power of fashion eyewear to enhance or transform a look. You can see this in our picks from 6 of our favourite eyewear designers, covering the exotic to the elegant everyday.If you consider glasses a necessary evil, only have 2 or 3 pairs, or are relieved you don’t need them (yet), you may not think our selection is for you.But you might surprise yourself - especially if reading this starts a process of thinking harder about why, when and how you choose and wear glasses.... Read more . . .

We profile Rachel Faller, founder of Tonle Designs - one of the new breed of social entrepreneurs who are showing the industry new ways of creating sustainable fashion businesses for the 21st century. Commercially savvy leaders who could climb the ladder of big business, but they choose instead to apply their ability to making a difference to the world around them, usually in smaller firms, often their own. Read how Rachel has intelligently challenged conventional wisdom, but with an appreciation of the reality of business.... Read more . . .

Abraham & Thakore is a unique Fashion Design success story, built on a core of innovation, quality and commitment to personal values – including Sustainability. David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore are unconventional rule-breakers who have followed their own path to success – not through outrageous designs, but by letting their principles shine through in their work and they way they run their business. Their exquisite, wearable clothes appeal to a wide audience, from middle class women with normal bodies to some of the most popular stars on the planet. We take a look at the men behind the clothes, and explore why you find their work at art galleries as well as catwalks around the world.... Read more . . .

The “Shoe that Grows” is a brilliantly simple idea of creating durable children’s shoes that expand as their feet grow, ensuring well-fitting shoes throughout childhood. It’s an inspirational story of a man who wanted to make a difference, and is doing so. But another fascinating aspect for us is how much great design thinking there is to learn from this story – not just design of the shoes, but design of the business that goes with it.... Read more . . .